Valley of Fire Mouse’s Tank Road
Fire-red sandstone and ancient petroglyphs
Mouse’s Tank Road cuts through the heart of Valley of Fire State Park, winding between towering red sandstone fins that glow like embers against the Mojave sky. This scenic drive leads to Mouse’s Tank, a natural water catchment named after a Paiute outlaw who hid in these canyons in the 1890s, passing thousand-year-old petroglyphs carved into desert varnish by ancestral Puebloan peoples. The road climbs through Rainbow Vista and Atlatl Rock, where you’ll navigate tight switchbacks between formations like Elephant Rock and the Beehives.
Any stock vehicle can handle this well-maintained gravel road, though high clearance helps with occasional washouts after flash floods. Best tackled October through April when temps drop below scorching—summer heat regularly hits 115°F. Park entry fee required, and camping is available at developed sites within the park. What you get is close-up access to some of the Southwest’s most spectacular red rock country without needing technical driving skills, plus ancient rock art that connects you to Nevada’s deep history.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 6 mi / 9.7 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2640 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 2WD |
| Nearest town | Overton, Nevada |
| Land manager | Nevada State Parks |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | parks.nv.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can my stock 2WD sedan handle Mouse's Tank Road?
Yes — the road is packed gravel and suitable for any stock 2WD vehicle, including sedans and minivans. No high clearance or 4WD needed.
Is Mouse's Tank Road open in summer?
It's open year-round, but summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F — people have died from heat exposure in Valley of Fire. Stick to October through April for anything more than a quick early-morning run.
Do I need a permit or is there an entrance fee?
Yes, there's a Nevada State Parks day-use fee — currently $10 for out-of-state vehicles, $7 for Nevada-registered. Paid at the park entrance station. No separate permit needed for Mouse's Tank Road itself.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
There's nothing technically hard — it's an easy gravel scenic drive with 400 feet of total gain. The only challenge is the heat if you're there at the wrong time of year.
Is there cell service on the trail, and where's the nearest gas?
No cell service inside the park — plan accordingly and download offline maps before you go. Nearest gas is in Overton, about 15 miles away, so don't roll in on fumes.
Trail track
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